6 Potential Causes of Bubble on Eyeball
Here are some potential causes of a bubble or bump on the eyeball:
1. Pterygium
A pterygium first presents on the side of the eye. It's wedge-shaped tissue growth on the conjunctiva. A pterygium can continue growing to reach the cornea, raise discomfort, and even cause vision problems.
More common names for pterygium include “surfer’s eye” or “farmer’s eye.” People who live in sunny, arid or dusty environments are more prone to pterygium.
Symptoms of a pterygium include:
- Dry eye
- Blurred vision or astigmatism
- Pink or white "wing-shaped" growth on eyes
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2. Pinguecula
A pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump that will mostly appear on the side of the eye nearest to the nose. It's a deposit of protein, fat, or calcium that develops from chronic irritation.
Some common causes of pinguecula include:
- The aging process
- Exposure to UV light
- Dry eyes
Symptoms of pinguecula include:
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Dry or red eyes
- Itching eyes
- Tearing
- Inflammation or swelling
- Foreign body sensation (feeling like something is in your eye)
- Blurred vision
Summary
A pinguecula can later develop a pterygium. In these cases, it can impair vision.
3. Conjunctival Cyst (Clear Bubble)
A conjunctival cyst is a sac that holds fluid or solid material. It's located on the conjunctiva (which borders the inside of the eyelid).
If you have this eye condition, you may experience these symptoms:
- Eye inflammation
- Increased tear production
- Eye reddening
- Discomfort surrounding the eye
Additionally, a conjunctival cyst can occur due to trauma or be present at birth.
4. Noncancerous Tumor (Limbal Dermoid)
A limbal dermoid is also known as an epibulbar dermoid. It is a type of cyst found where the cornea and sclera meet.
This type of cyst is congenital, meaning it presents at birth. It can also grow to more significant proportions and result in vision impairment.
This condition does not have any specific cause. However, it is usually associated with some ocular and systemic abnormalities, such as:
- Goldenhar syndrome
- Duane’s syndrome
- Coloboma of the upper lid
- Lacrimal stenosis
5. Conjunctival Tumor
A conjunctival tumor is malignant and is often classifiable as one of the following cancers:
Squamous cell carcinoma
This will be reddish or white and flat or elevated. This type of tumor typically does not metastasize. However, it can extend into the eye orbit and sinuses and cause vision problems.
Malignant melanoma
This type of tumor begins as a nevus (eye freckle) and is aggressive. Metastasis of cancer can occur, and the removal of the tumor will be necessary.
Lymphoma
This salmon-colored lesion usually hides on the eye surface, beneath the eyelid. It may indicate systemic lymphoma (affects the body) or only be present in the conjunctiva. The ophthalmologist will request a biopsy and work-up to confirm if the mass is a lymphoma.
6. Chemosis
Chemosis is a condition when your conjunctiva, the eye's outer surface, becomes inflamed. The fluid build-up can look like there's excess fluid trapped inside your eye. It can also look like your eye has a blister.
This condition usually results from:
- Bacterial infections
- Allergies
- Hyperthyroidism
- Eye trauma
- Surgical complications
Symptoms of chemosis usually include:
- Itchy eyes
- Eye irritation
- Excessive tearing
- Puffy eyes
- Swelling on the white of the eye
Summary
A bubble or bump on the eyeball appears as a blister-like formation in any part of the eye. It may be caused by pterygium, pinguecula, conjunctival cyst, limbal dermoid, conjunctival tumor, or chemosis. When a bubble or bump appears on your eyeball, see an eye doctor.
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Diagnosis
If you have a bubble on your eyeball, you should make an appointment with your eye doctor. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can usually diagnose the bump on the eyeball visually. However, they may need additional testing. They will ask you about:
- Eye injuries or problems you've had
- Your contact wearing habits (if you wear contact lenses)
- Cosmetics use, eyelash extensions, and other products that could potentially irritate your eyes
Your eye doctor may take a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis.
Summary
Eye bubbles may indicate a serious eye disease that can lead to vision impairment. An ophthalmologist or optometrist will be able to diagnose the bump on your eyeball properly.
Treatment for Bubble on Eyeball
Treatment for bubbles on the eye will vary according to the underlying cause. It is important to seek medical advice and undergo an eye exam when irregular growth appears.
Home Remedies
Home remedies for a pinguecula or pterygium include the following:
- Wear sunglasses or contact lenses that block ultraviolet light
- Use wraparound glasses, goggles, or other protective eyewear in dry, dusty conditions
- Use artificial tears frequently to prevent dryness in arid conditions
For eyelid cysts, you can set a warm towel either on or close to the affected area of the eyelid.
Professional Treatment
In many cases, surgical treatment may be the best option.
Pterygium surgery does not mean that a pterygium will not return. The recurrence rate falls between 30 and 40%.
Other eye care treatment options include:
- Steroid eye drops (for eye irritation, for example)
- Antibiotics
- Steroid injections
- Medication
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Steroid eye drops (for eye irritation, for example)
- Antibiotics
- Steroid injections
- Medication
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
Summary
The best course of action for people with an eye bubble is to seek treatment from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. There are home remedies and professional treatments available to address the issue.
Risks of Eye Bubbles
An eye bubble carries a few risks. These risks include: vision impairment, such as astigmatism from big dermoid cysts; cancer, which can spread to other parts of the body if not treated immediately; pterygium from untreated pinguecula; further eye infection; Amblyopia (lazy eye); and possible eye scarring.
- Vision impairment, such as astigmatism from big dermoid cysts
- Cancer, which can spread to other parts of the body if not treated immediately
- Pterygium from untreated pinguecula
- Further eye infection
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Possible eye scarring
Remember to visit your eye doctor immediately if you notice any bubbles in your eye. Early detection will help prevent vision loss or complications.
What Does a Bubble or Bump on the Eye Look Like?
Most bumps (or bubbles) develop on the conjunctiva (the outer layer of the eye). However, the growth may differ in size, shape, and location depending on the underlying medical condition. Sometimes, the bump is white, while others are yellowish.
If you have any type of bump on your eye, visit an eye doctor as soon as possible. A comprehensive eye examination can help determine the cause of the bubble.
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